🍁 *Should Christians be Afraid of Death?* 🍁 --- SCRIPTURE *John 11:25* > I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, *though he may die*, shall live. And whoever believes in me *shall never die*. *QUESTION:* What is Death? Dictionary Definitions of Death * Death is a permanent ceasing of life * Death is also a permanent ending of vital processes in a cell or tissue * Death is also permanent ending of something. *QUESTION:* How did Death come into our lives? I know many of us are familiar with the answer. However, we can't assume everyone knows the origin of death. Let's take a little moment to remind ourselves of the origin of death. STEP 1: God gives Commandment to Adam and Eve *Genesis 2:16-17* > And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, 'Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for when you eat of it you shall surely die' STEP 2: Adam & Eve commit a grave sin *Genesis 3:6* > So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate STEP 3: God's Pronunciation of Death. *Genesis 3:19* > In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till *YOU RETURN TO THE GROUND*, for out of it you were taken; For dust you are , and *TO DUST YOU SHALL RETURN* . *Romans 5:12* > Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, death through sin...spread to all men Every child born, is born into sin and death. Because of the curse that was pronounced over Adam & Eve and their offspring to the last generation. *QUESTION:* How Certain is Death? *Hebrews 9:27* > And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgement. No man can escape death unless it is by the mercies of God him self. A few examples of such include Enock and Elijah the prophet in the bible. Other than that, even Moses his friend had to experience death, so are you appointed to die someday. *QUESTION:* But the bible reveals two kinds of death, what are they? * Physical Death (First Death) *James 2:26* > As the body without the spirit is dead... Meaning the Physical body of any person can only be alive with life if the spirit is present in that body. Otherwise it is a dead body. This Kind of death is experienced by every man created. It does not matter whether one is a Christian or Not. * Spiritual Death (Second Death) Spiritual Death is the second type of death that God instituted as a punishment of those who do not obey him during their life time. It is also called the second death. *Revelation 2:11* > He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.’ *Revelation 20:6* > Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years. Christians who walk blamelessly with God shall never experience the second death and that is a promise of God to us the believers. *QUESTION:* What are the Benefits of Death to a Christian? I know you are surprised that there are benefits of death to us. * DEATH: Is rest from the Labouring and Toiling of the this world * DEATH: Is the Exodus Journey from the life of Bondage to the life of Freedom in the land with endless uncomprehendable glory. * DEATH: Is a gateway from the Physical Realm to the Spiritual Realm of Eternity * DEATH: Is a victory over Satan for a Christian, because once you crossover, Satan has no bearing over you. * DEATH: Is the only way to posses the fullness of your Spiritual Wealth that Jesus promised * DEATH: Is the only way to have complete and lasting dominion over sin and death *QUESTION:* What does death mean for a non-Christian, a non Born again person? * DEATH: For a non-Christian is only the beginning of eternal agony, Suffering without end, endless punishment and regret. * DEATH: For a non-Christian is the DESIRE for Mercy when it can no longer be found. When grace is fully stripped out of reach. *QUESTION:* Why are Christians Afraid of Death? * Fear of the Unknown Many Christians still do not comprehend what is ahead of them in the other life. But all this comes out of the emptiness as a result of not reading of the word. So fear fills the void. *2 Peter 1:1-11* Says > Therefore brethren, be even more diligent *to make your call and election sure*, for if you do these things you will never stumble. (Read from Verse 1 to know what things) > For so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. You see, you can be sure of Salvation and Fear will never be your portion. Cast fear out of your life starting today with the reading of scripture daily. * Fear of the experience of dying Many have had relatives, friends, colleagues etc. who have died in ugly ways. Perhaps through accidents, or gun shots, or Slaughter, or Long Sickness and the mere thinking of these experiences, scares many. I would to encourage you, that what ever you give attention, will master you, it will control you And here you are feeding fear of death. Ignore how and focus on if you Will be Worthy before the LORD our judge. * Fear of Loss of Control Several Christian Men and Women, have fear of death because they do not want to loose control of their businesses, their investments, their families. They believe without them, no one else can do it better. Even though that may be right sometimes, but as a Christian you are admonished not to have your treasures here on earth, because a day will come and you will not carry them with you. So Store what you can find in heaven where relatives cannot squander or destroy. * Fear for those they are to leave behind Many Christians are still very attached unto their Wives, Husbands, Children, Parents and they always fear to die because they wonder who will take care of my children, my wife. That worry may seem valid, but then you will questioning the authority of God on his decision to call you home. * Because of What they feed their faith with Fear of death for many Christians still comes from what they feed themselves on. They spend many uncountable hours watching investigative death series, movies full of death, horror movies, why would fear of death not grip you. Whatever you are watching is death itself, hence it will engulf you. *QUESTION: What are the Practical steps to overcome the fear of death for a Christian?* * SELF SPIRITUAL EVALUATION: Evaluate yourself, if you are still Born again. Are you still a Christian? When did you last read the word of God? And how often do you read? I encourage you today, to read the word of God daily. At least read one chapter per day. But try and read it daily. * DEATH REMINDERS: *Ecclesiastes 7:2* says > It is better to go to the house of morning than to the house of feasting. In other words, Try and remind yourself of inevitable death by going to funerals of relatives, friends, work colleagues. * LIVE RIGHTEOUSLY *Psalm 34:4* > I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Seek the Lord Diligently, Find him while he can still be found and He will deliver you from all your fears. * SURRENDER ALL POSSESSIONS TO GOD If you have fear on who will take care of your children, your wife, your wealth and properties when you are dead, then i encourage you to release that fear today through trusting in the Lord. Start by being prayerful and in prayer surrender everything to him. Once all things are in his hands, then they are in good hands. Why ever worry again? Live your life free from fear of death and fill your heart with faith. In other words, grow from faith to faith each day. * LEARN TO NUMBER YOUR DAYS *Psalms 90:12* Says > Teach us to number our days. In order words, let it be at the back of your mind, that time is not in your hands but in the Lord's control. He can call you any time. *CONCLUSION* *Psalm 116:15* > Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Death is just be a tool that is used to sieve through the chaff from the Good. And the chaff is thrown in the fire and the good is put to good use. Conquer your fears today and walk in the ways of the lord. ____ *Remember* If you have been blessed with this message, please share it with your loved ones, friends and workmates and everyone you care to know God.